half hour

noun

1
: thirty minutes
2
: the middle point of an hour
half-hourly adverb or adjective

Examples of half hour in a Sentence

Trains depart every half hour. I waited a half hour in line.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Organizers recommend arriving a half hour before a scheduled appointment. Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025 Orange City is located about a half hour north of Orlando. Megan Forrester, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025 The Lift Bridge is now staffed from 8 a.m. to midnight each day, and the bridge will lift every half hour if boat traffic is present. Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 1 May 2025 Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for half hour

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of half hour was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Half hour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half%20hour. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

half hour

noun
1
: thirty minutes
2
: the middle point of an hour
half-hourly
ˈhaf-ˈau̇(ə)r-lē
ˈhȧf-
adverb or adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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